1 B1 neutral
To take a secondary academic concentration at university, requiring fewer courses than a major.
"She decided to major in engineering and minor in Spanish to improve her career prospects."
inseparable
minor in
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To study a subject as a secondary academic focus at university, alongside one's main subject.
In plain English
To study a second subject at university, but not as your most important one.
What does "minor in" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Minor' in academic context means a lesser course of study; 'in' indicates the subject area. Transparent meaning.
Actually means
To study a second subject at university, but not as your most important one.
Usage tip
Specific to North American (primarily US and Canadian) higher education. A 'minor' is a smaller concentration of courses than a major. Common in academic and student discourse. Not used in UK or Australian higher education systems, where the concept does not formally apply.
Words that pair with "minor in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
economics philosophy music history biology psychology
How to conjugate "minor in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
minor in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
minors in
he/she/it
Past simple
minored in
yesterday
Past participle
minored in
have + pp
-ing form
minoring in
continuous
Hear "minor in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "minor in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "minor in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
have a minor in study as a secondary subject take a minor in
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